Tiananmen Square in Beijing

Tiananmen Square in Beijing Tour Guide:

Communist China comes to the fore at the Tiananmen Square, the central place of processions, proclamations and celebrations in contemporary Beijing. One of the largest public squares in the world, the 440,000 square meters Tiananmen Square can hold up to a million people at a time, and serves as a venue for important national level events including the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China as a communist regime and eventual protests. Army men and police officers patrol the area and entrance is subject to clearing airport-level security.

As an attraction, the Tiananmen Square is a must-visit and features on the itinerary of most tourists. Capture the pomp of Chinese National Flag Raising and Lowering Ceremonies in the centre of the Square; pay homage to the victims of China’s revolutionary struggles at the Monument of the People’s Heroes; and visit the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong to see the embalmed body of the Great Helsman and buy all types of Mao memorabilia.

Continue your tour of Tiananmen Square and head to the National Museum of China, which takes you on a historical journey of China’s turbulent past right up to the times of the Yuanmou Man, one of China’s earliest Homo Sapiens from about 1.7 million years ago. Marvel at historical artefacts such as a gold-thread-laced Han Dynasty Jade Burial suit; Shang Dynasty relics including the world’s heaviest piece of ancient bronze ware and a square-shaped bronze zun decorated with four sheep heads; and a comprehensive collection of Tang Dynasty tri-coloured glazed Sancai and Song Dynasty ceramics.

Other attractions at the Tiananmen Square include the Great Hall of the People, the meeting place of the Chinese Parliament on the western end and the ancient imperial gates, Tiananmen Gate on the northern end that leads into the Forbidden City and the Zhengyangmen on the southern end that once led into the Inner City.

Tip: There is no sitting area in the Tiananmen Square, so pace your visit accordingly and combine it with a tour of the Forbidden City.